35 white elephant gifts people actually want, under $15

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The holiday season is nearly here and it’s only a matter of time before you’re invited to join a white elephant gift exchange. While you won’t know in advance who will be getting your gift, these white elephant gift ideas under $15 are pretty safe bets.

As a refresher, a white gift exchange generally works like this: Each person in a group brings a wrapped gift and puts it in a pile. Players then draw numbers to see which order they’ll each choose a gift. The first person chooses a gift, shows the group, and the next person can either steal the gift or open a new one. If the first person’s gift is stolen by the second player, the first person can choose a new gift.

This continues with the rest of the players, but following the first round, if someone’s gift is stolen, that person can either choose a new one or steal someone else’s. The first player has one last chance to swap their gift with someone else’s at the very end. 

There are variations of the party game, but the overall idea is to bring a gift people will want to steal. The gift you bring to the pot should be funny or useful, something you’d actually want and within the set budget. Plus, of course, you’ll want to consider what’s appropriate for the group of people that will be exchanging.

Below, shop 35 white elephant gift ideas—some funny, some useful, some thoughtful—that have potential to be the best gift in the pile.

Voluspa Limited Edition Japonica Mini Candle, $10

Holiday Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet Set, $9.99

100 Things To Do Scratch Off Poster, $15

UO Mood-Changing Nail Polish, 3 for $10

Okurr Sound Button, $14.95

Kristin Ess Pillowcase + Mini French Pin Set, $15

Eva NYC #stylesesh Travel Set, $15

Anthropologie

Nachosaurus Chip Holder + Dip Bowl, $15

Urban Outfitters

2020 Schitt’s Creek 12-Month Wall Calendar, $14.99

Urban Outfitters

Lapcos Revitalizing Variety Mask + Exfoliating Pad Set, $15

Anthropologie

Lite Brite Ultimate Classic, $14.99

Target

Holiday Hot Cocoa Bar Set, $9.99

Target

Reindeer Games, $11.95

The Paper Store

Ticket Stub Diary, $14

Uncommon Goods

Flavor Infuser Water Bottle, $15

Uncommon Goods

Alphabet Bead Kit, $12.95

Paper Source

GeoCentral Mini Stone Gift Box, $12

Anthropologie

Famous Women Trivia Game, $12

Anthropologie

BUTEFO 8 in 1 Kitchen Tool Set Bottle, $9.99

Amazon

Avocado Toast Christmas Ornament, $10

Urban Outfitters

Holiday Flask Hot Sauce Set, $9.99

Target

Mean Girls Mini Burn Book + Magnet Set, $9.95

Urban Outfitters

Gentlemen’s Hardware The Right Tool, $13

Paper Source

Anthropologie Chelsea Mug, $14

Anthropologie

Vixen Earbud Case, $10

Anthopologie

Kikkerland Tea Stick, $15

Anthropologie

Dark Chocolate & Sea Salt Caramel Corn Clusters, $5.29

Target

Beer Socks, $14.95

The Paper Store

Ecoffee Cup Reusable Cup, $8.99

Amazon

Woodwick Fireside Crackling Mini Candle, $9.99

The Paper Store

Wine Condoms Beverage Bottle Stopper, $15

Amazon

Self Care Sticker Book, $12.95

Paper Source

Scrabble Magnets, $12.95

Paper Source

NOW That’s What I Call Merry Christmas CD, $14.98

Urban Outfitters

Pocket Etch-a-Sketch, $10.95

Paper Source

Holiday Popcorn, $9.99

Target

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